Dating a Person With a Type A Personality

By Jaime Vargas-Benitez

Those with type A personalities are known to have difficulty relaxing.

When dating a type A personality you may find him or her intense. Maybe your new boyfriend is a sports fanatic. Maybe your new girlfriend will not settle for less than straight A's. The type A personality encompasses hard-working, driven people. It is important to determine if the type A personality matches with your own. You are attracted to certain people for a reason. Understanding why you are attracted to this personality type and recognizing positive characteristics helps to create a great relationship.

What Am I Getting Into

Dating means getting to know the personality of someone new. Type A personalities are often associated with characteristics such as being overly critical, highly competitive and easily angered, says Saul McLeod, psychologist, in his article "Type A Personality." If you can handle these traits then you may have a great relationship with a type A personality. But, if you think this personality is too dominant, it may be time to call it quits.

You Sure Can Pick Them

You choose to date certain personality types for a reason. Type A personalities are known for academic achievement and hard work. Does this appeal to you because you are the opposite, and like the motivation this person offers? Do you connect because you are the same and can relate? You form romantic relationships in order to have a partner by your side and have someone to share with, says Dan Williams, clinical psychologist, in his article "Dating." In order to have a successful relationship, you have to understand why you chose the person you did and then accept that person as-is, advises Williams.

Where Did You Go?

A relationship with someone who has a type A personality can leave you feeling as though you are living in a shadow. This is due to the dominant nature of type A personalities. In a relationship, both people should feel the other person cares, according to David Keirsey, clinical psychologist, in the article "Do Opposites Attract or Attack." When people of opposite personality types date, one usually ends up giving more to the relationship to keep it going, says Keirsey. It is important not to lose yourself in trying to make a relationship work. If you are too busy focusing on your partner, you stop making yourself a priority.

Look on the Bright Side

Every personality type has some positive characteristics. If you are dating a type A personality, look for endearing qualities about the person. It is important to focus on what you have in common with a partner. There will always be something about your partner you would like to change. Whether or not you can accept your partner, faults and all, determines if your personalities are compatible.

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About the Author

Jaime Vargas-Benitez has been a parenting writer since 2010. She has worked in the child wellness field in various roles for over 20 years. Along with the experiences of raising her own kids, she has been privileged enough to participate in the raising of hundreds of other children as well.